Rastafarian Culture

The lifestyle of a Rastafarian is based on humility and being polite. Rastafarian culture is about being in love with humanity and the planet on a whole. We will look into the everyday lifestyle of a devout Rasta man or woman and basic Rastafarian beliefs. The Rastafarian lifestyle is also called LIVITY.

WORK

It is a Rastafarian Belief that each man should own their own business. This normally happens in order to preserve creative control over their artistic or scientific expressions. The concept of work is doing what pleases one’s self and to make other people happy. Another reason why Rastafarians run their own business is due to the fact that they used be heavily discriminated against during the early years in Jamaica and were forced to create their own jobs.

A Rasta man or woman may not want to wear a uniform, shave or wear a jacket and tie. For example, being told how to speak and behave in order to keep a job is very limiting. One type of job you will never see a Rastafarian doing is law enforcement such as a police officer. The jobs that Rasta's normally pursue are:

Source

Musician (not necessarily reggae)

Painter

Sculptor

Farmer

Agro-processing

Tailor/Dressmaker

Masonry

Carpentry

Fisheries

One of the main functions of work in the Rastafarian culture is the ability to clothe, feed and provide shelter without the use of money. Most Rasta's do farming so they would not need to go to the supermarket and expose themselves to unhealthy food and harsh economic conditions. Methods of payments within the Rastafarian culture include bartering of materials and services. Goodwill is also an acceptable payment within the Rastafarian Culture.

SOCIAL

The social structure of the Rastafarian lifestyle follows a strict protocol. It is very important that each person is treated equally. Rasta's will have to treat a homeless person with the same respect that they would give to their own family. Within a social environment, there can be no display of aggression. All speech must be positive and encouraging. Each person will be given a chance to express themselves without fear of negative repercussions.

Within the Rastafarian culture there is not a temple or church or an official congregational physical location. There is no official social mass gathering. Rastafarian rituals includes coming together for discussions (reasoning), worship, or to play music. However this is done at each person’s freewill. Rastafarian’s believe in practising an indulgent style of parenting. The child can choose not to be a Rastafarian if they want and choose their own career and lifestyle.

Children are not forced but given freewill. However children will be disciplined into being well mannered, helpful and polite. Most Rastafarians do practice an ascetic lifestyle. This is practiced in order not to get carried away by a materialistic lifestyle. Bob Marley best explains it in the video below.

POLITICS

Majority of Rastafarian's shun mainstream politics. A Rastafarian with political ambition is encouraged though. However, it is unlikely for a Rastafarian to secure political office. This is because a Rasta man or woman is not allowed to use the same unscrupulous or unethical methods most politicians use while campaigning.

There are a couple of popular Rastafarian's who pursued a political agenda. They are now prominent and powerful politicians in Jamaica. However surprisingly, they are no longer members of the Rastafarian culture and have since renounced their faith.

It is a popular notion that Rastafarian's refer to politics as poli-tricks (many tricks). Within the history of Jamaica, the Rastafarian communities were dismantled by the then political regimes. The political system is often referred to as a Babylonian system. So there will always be legitimate suspicion toward most political systems.

RECREATIONAL

The hubbies within the Rastafarian culture vary. Getting in touch with one’s spiritual self and humanity can be considered one of the main Rastafarian rituals. However on the lighter side, here are a number of popular recreational activities that is preferred;

Physical activities are very important for recreation. Even just walking to the market to get some fresh air and meeting people. Going to bars or watching television is not considered as constructive recreational activities. Hanging out at a bar is a dangerous past time as fights and arguments can happen. There may also be a lot of negative conversations and curse words being used. Within the Rastafarian culture the television is called the tell-lie-vision. Rastafarians believe that television is a main method of spreading propaganda. It is also used to commercialize and deceive the populace.

Is Marijuana Legal in JamaicaMarijuana is not legal in Jamaica. However, steps are being made by the government to decriminalize the use of marijuana in small quantities.

rasta man meditating

HEALTH

Having a strict approach towards one’s health is one of the fundamental aspects of the Rastafarian culture and lifestyle. The human body is a machine. If it is not taken care of, it will break down. Health would consist of mind, body and soul. The mind must be constructively engaged in order for it to always work at maximum output. This is can be achieved by reasoning, which is having critical discussions about various topics or even solving a maths problem occasionally. Also, by learning to play a new instrument or mastering a second or third language. Relaxing the mind away from stressful environments is also important.

The body has to be fed and cared for carefully. For example, making sure the skin is at the correct PH balance and elasticity.Preventive medicine is important. Have you ever noticed that you have never seen an obese Rastafarian. Most Rasta’s are skinny or slim because they are constantly engaged in a lot of daily physical activities, such as work, play and commuting. Some Rastafarians have never smoked in their lives because they are aware of the dangers of any type of smoking. Natural alternatives are normally preferred instead of tablets. Pharmaceutical tablets are believed to lead to more ailments. Then in turn those ailments lead to more tablets.

There are many Rastafarian's who do research within the herbal medicine field. The soul however has to be given the most attention. For the soul controls the mind and the body. The soul can heal the body at will. Maintaining spiritual purity is very important for the whole system of the human body. That is why it very important for Rastafarians to spread love and always have positive thoughts.

FOOD

"Food is the staff of life". This is a very popular old saying within the Rastafarian culture. Food is the main medicine to cure any ailment and nourish the body. Most Rastafarian's grow their food. If not, they would source food from a preferred farmer. Processed food from the supermarket is not encouraged.

Even if supermarket food has to be bought, the ingredients have to be carefully scrutinized. Salt is totally eliminated from the diet. Salt is added to the diet from sea plants like Irish moss or from ground provisions such as potato. Processed sugar is replaced by fruit sugars or sugar cane juice. Unprocessed oils is preferred, the most popular being coconut oil.

It is a Rastafarian ritual that dishes are unsweetened and unsalted. This method of cooking or preparation is called ITAL cooking. Ital is pronounced (hi-tal). Vegan based food within the Rastafarian culture is ital food. This is synonymous to kosher food within the Jewish culture. Not all Rastafarian's are vegans though. Rastafarian's that live along the coastlines sometimes may include fish in their diet.

Those who practice a macrobiotic vegetarian technique will also eat fish occasionally. There are also those who are not vegetarians at all. In this case, the animals have to be home grown or organic, with no artificial hormones. Within the Rastafarian Culture, the only food that is tabooed is pork. The pig is seen as a disgusting and spiritual unclean animal. Therefore strictly no jerk pork! Food intake will have to be moderate and tactical in order to ensure proper nourishment and health. Here is a list of some of the more popular ital dishes:

This list is a small sample of the types of food because the combinations are endless. The basic food combinations are ground provisions or grains for carbohydrates, then some raw vegetables as fiber, then steamed loose leafy vegetables as the meat replacement. Food is normally spiced with pepper, pimento, ginger, curry just to name a few. Protein is normally from nuts which also serve as energy boosters throughout the day. Fruits are also sources for fat and energy throughout the day. Ital dishes are not exclusive to Rastafarian's but a mainstay in the overall Jamaican culture..

APPEARANCE

Rastafarians’ believe in having uncut and uncombed facial hair. This is done as representations of the Most High, Rastafari. This is seen as evidence that one has taken a (Nazarite) vow. When Rastafari was first established in Jamaica, not many Rasta's wore dreadlocks at first. After King Selassie I defeated warlord Mussolini during the Ethiopian invasion, the Ethiopian soldiers had dreadlocks by virtue of being committed to the battlefield so long.

After this historical event, dreadlocks began to become more evident with the Rastafarian culture. The dread locks are also a representation of an ascetic lifestyle. The science of renouncing one’s self for a greater spiritual cause. It is a Rastafarian ritual to let one’s hair grow naturally.

There are also those who wear their dreadlocks in turbans, not exposing their hair to the public. This is normally practiced for specific spiritual reasons. Contrary to popular belief having dreadlocks is not a must. Most Rasta's who do not have dreadlocks will eventually grow dreadlocks. Once they start to understand the intricacies of letting ones hair flow. Rastafarians also understand that not everyone has the privilege to grow or lock their hair. This may due to family, socio-economic or biological restrictions.

Rastafarian ritual includes wearing ceremonial robes or traditional African wear. Some may make their own clothes. The colors of red, green and gold are normally worn as representations of the Rastafarian culture. Tattoos are rare and are not encouraged. Jewelries are in moderation and may be made from natural accessories.

Piercings for males and females are not encouraged. Females do not wear pants and seldom use makeup. Rasta's are equipped with their own scientific expertise to build their own soaps from fruits for personal use or sale. These products are much more pleasant than conventional products. Facials, pedicures and manicures are also done using natural made products.

There are a few Rastafarian's who do not wear footwear and go bare footed all the time. This is done in order to keep in touch with the spiritual energy of the planet or their spiritual preference. This is consistent with an ascetic lifestyle. In conclusion, appearance does not count for anything in Rastafarian culture. The way how you behave and treat other people is most important.

EDUCATION

"Knowledge is the key to set the people free", is another old proverb from the Rastafarian belief. Within the Rastafarian culture and lifestyle, all Rasta's constantly educate and train themselves in various disciplines. No matter the age or location, proper education breaks all mental and physical shackles. Attending an educational institution within society is seen as a privilege.

Even if the institutions belong to various religious movements or Babylon it is very important that information learnt at these institutions is tested by the spirit and common sense. This is done so that each person will not fall in the trap of deception. For example, some Rasta's will study law, but refuse to practice law, for obvious reasons of course. Avoiding being misled is very important.

Studying is mostly seen as a spiritual or leisure activity and very fulfilling. If you have ever been to a Rastafarian's house, you will definitely notice a lot of books. The more ancient or rare the book is, the more prestige the book carries. Some books are even secretly guarded. Even though it is a popular notion that people go to school in order to secure a good job in the future, that is not the only reason why Rastafarian's go to school. It is normally done to improve one's self-reliance and realization. Here is a list of popular Rastafarian books:

SPIRITUAL

"Man shall endure forever more". The core Rastafarian belief is that the soul is eternal. JAH, the creator of heaven and earth is the Spiritual head of Rastafarians. The human representation of JAH is

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY EMPEROR KING HAILE SELASSIE I

Who is the rightful ruler of the universe. Another title would also be

KING MELCHIZEDEK

KING OF PEACE

KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

KING OF JERUSALEM

The physical body of Rastafarians is a temple or a church. JAH resides within the temple of Rastafari. Therefore the mind and body has to be kept clean in order for JAH to continue residing within the body. JAH is an eternal force with no beginning or end. Whenever a person becomes one with JAH, they will also endure forever more. Therefore King Haile Selassie I is an embodiment of JAH. The Rastafarian culture and belief has nothing to do with religion. It is about practicing a certain type of lifestyle.

BLESS

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For More Information on RASTAFARIAN CULTURE:

· Rastafari: Twelve Tribes of Israel: Explains the beliefs of the twelve tribes of Israel movement within the Rastafarian Culture. This article shows how the expatriated descendants of Jacob are now the Rastafarians’ in the west. Twelve tribes of Israel is the movement that is responsible for the exodus of Rastafarians and black people to our rightful home, Africa.

· Rastafari vs Babylon: Explains the conflict between Rastafarian beliefs and Babylon. The continuous and soon to end battle between the righteous and the unrighteous. The wicked will continue to take advantage of the innocence of the people. It is the job of Rastafarian culture to shine a light on the deceptive techniques used by Babylon.

· Why Rastafarians are Vegans: Sparing the life of animals is an important part of Rastafarian beliefs and culture. There are more nutrients provided by plants than meat. In this day and age of hormone induced meats, it is important to avoid the dangers of meat. This article proves the importance of a vegan diet and the benefits to be gained.

· Rastafari: Interview with a Congo Natty: This is a rare interview of a (Congo Natty) Rasta Man. The Congo Natty is often seen as the purest form of practicing Rastafarian culture and beliefs. They stay far from the city and processed foods. This interview sheds light on why it is important to practice this type ascetic lifestyle. Other topics such as money, Babylon and the internet will be discussed.

· The Children are Crying Out for Love: A street child does a touching dub poet about living on the streets of Jamaica. This poem conjures up a lot of emotions. One of the main Rastafarian beliefs is to look out for the children of the streets. All these children on the streets are part of the Rastafarian culture.

Comments

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sending

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

4 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect My Sister. A lot of Americans have done what you wish to do. Just keep working hard and never let go of the dream.

IandIyouseeteachingsoftherastafari

4 years ago

Im a 15 year old girl, living in the USA. My dream is to go to Jamaica and live there for a little while because it is a beautiful place. I wish to be able to do this, my parents aren't very fond of me leaving to go to other places. Hopefully when I leave here I will be able to be close to the Jamaican people! I am trying to meet people before I go so that I am able to have a better experience when I go in a couple of years!

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

4 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect OneJah. I know exactly what you mean. I have found a lot of blockage and fight against Rasta. A lot of people around me do not even know I am Rasta. However, if their heart is clean, they will recognize.

onejah

4 years ago

Very true, turns out I've lived the Rasta culture my whole life, not knowing it. This year it became a lot stronger, and the way I share it is by living it. I don't tell anyone that I am Rasta because I would be met with stereotypes and misunderstandings of the lifestyle.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

5 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Meme. A lot of people live the culture without even knowing if. It is a life of humility and embracing nature.

MEME

5 years ago

MY DAUGHTER JUST INFORMED ME THAT I MAINLY LIFE ..THIS LIFESTYLE...THX FOR THIS INFO........SHE'S RIGHT!

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

5 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Dee. Rastafari liveth everytime

Dee

5 years ago

I was born Rastafari . One perfect love

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

5 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Au fait. It is funny how they are a lot of similarities but a lot of division. Many paths to enlightenment, all are peaceful.

C E Clark

5 years agofrom North Texas

Very interesting lifestyle and culture. I see a lot of similarities with true Christianity. You should realize that not everyone who hangs the label "Christian" on themselves is truly a Christian.

Voted this very enlightening article up and interesting.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

5 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect AussieRespect. There will definitely be a forum and full fledged Rasta website coming soon. Stay connected.

Will Sellin

5 years agofrom Land Down Under

Respect Rasta1. I see you mentioned that a possible forum could be in the pipeline. Have you had a chance to create? Reasoning with the Rasta people on a global scale would be righteous.

Positive days ahead for InI, family and friends for 2014. A big change will happen this year for humanity on a global scale. It's a mystical vibe.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

5 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect My Lord. Rastafari is a spiritual movement. It is a movement and not a religion. Therefore, there is no governing body that decides who is Rasta. The movement is a free enterprise for the benefit of humanity. Rasta is a peaceful path along with self preservation and upliftmeant.

Will Sellin

5 years agofrom Land Down Under

Respect Rasta1. I have been studying about the Rastafarian Movement for a few years now and I have the upmost respect for the Rasta people, their ideologies and beliefs, plus their culture. I have not experienced meeting true Rastafarians but would like to in my travels to Jamaica.

I have a few questions and I would like your feedback. I don't claim to be a Rasta, but I certainly support the Rastafarian Movement. Would I offend the Rasta people if I meet them and acknowledge that I follow the regime, being Caucasian?

I know that the Rasta culture is unique in the sense of how they have carried their positive beliefs since its inception. King Selassie played a remarkable role in ensuring that the culture maintained its symbol of peace.

The Rastafarian Movement is for the greater good of all creation. Bob Marley proved it to the world.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

5 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Sunshine, Your subconscious nature may be that of a Rastafarian. You never now.

Linda Bilyeu

5 years agofrom Orlando, FL

Hi Rasta! Thanks for teaching us about the Rastafarian lifestyle. I wonder if that's why I like to be barefoot too...be one with Mother Nature. Awesome article!

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Valerie. Lots of love towards you.

Valerie Mulaa

6 years ago

I just love this

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Mjennifer. It is my pleasure to enlighten you on the Rastafarian spiritual movement.

Marcy J. Miller

6 years agofrom Arizona

I have learned much from this hub. Thank you for the excellent and enjoyable introduction to Rastafari. It has given me an increased appreciation for the wisdom and gentleness in the faith.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Suzettenaples. Thank you for reading my hubs. Rastafari does originate from judo-christian concepts. It is very much about self awareness and independence.

Suzette Walker

6 years agofrom Taos, NM

This is a very interesting and informative hub. I have never been to Jamaica or heard of the Rastifarians before but I admire your culture and philosophy of life. It certainly makes sense. Many of your tenets are also believed in Christianity. The body is a temple to Christians also - or should be. My grandfather, who came from Italy and was an architect and stone mason, believed the same as you, everyone should have his/her own business rather than working for someone else. That was part of our family's culture, although I chose to become a teacher and then found out that many of my cousins in Italy were also teachers. I remember Bob Marley and I am going to read your hub(s) about him. I must visit Jamaica some day!

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect travel_man1971. Being vegan is directly connected to spiritual awareness. Most people will have to be vegan at some point in their lives for example, if they are sick or trying to lose weight.

Ireno Alcala

6 years agofrom Bicol, Philippines

I am overwhelmed of your article.

I have a colleague in the seafaring world who's a vegetarian. Although, he's not a rastafarian, being a vegan is now being embraced by most Filipinos here in the Philippines.

It also reflects with some of my hubs, if you have time to read some of it.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Shiv. Marijuana serves as food, clothing, oil,etc within the Rastafarian community. Some members may smoke it as a method of expressing their spirituality.

Shiv

6 years ago

Where is the stereotype of Rastafarians smoking weed from?

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Chesco. You are welcome

Chesco mkini from Tanzania

6 years ago

thanks information about rastafarian culture.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Audrey. I am happy to have enlightened you with such information.

Audrey Howitt

6 years agofrom California

Thank you so much for this insight. I know next to nothing about Rastafari--so this was so informative--

Natrual Mystic

6 years agofrom Florida

Great!!! I am looking forward to that article! Keep it up....Bless

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Natural Mystic. please e-mail or Facebook I so we could keep in touch. In Jamaica they say SDA is the closest thing to Rastafari due to similar beliefs. I will be doing an article about H.I.M. in 2013.

Natrual Mystic

6 years agofrom Florida

Bless up king, wonderful work keep it up. I have to admit using your article for my research paper about Rastafarian culture. Your points are well spoken and I accepted them...without questioning. I would like to know more about this "way of life." I am a S.D.A. and I have a very difficult time believing in Emperor Haile Selassie as God. So, if you could shed some light on this, it will be greatly appreciated. Going to Jamaica in February!!! mi cyaa wait fe hol a meds wid mi brethren dem....gwaan bless up yuself. Jah Guide.....

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Baba. Rastafari is also the King of Peace. By displaying such characteristics, Christians will realize that Rastafarians have similar objectives but with a higher calling.

Baba

6 years ago

I have examined my life for barely 4 years now and now convinced I was born to be raster with no doubt due to my lifestyle. Anytime I want to know god well and to right with human relation, I end up raster living and desire to carry locks also.

My problem is my family because they serious Christians. How do I carry out to fulfilling my right and true lifestyle as a raster?

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Bob Martin. Give thanks for the energy.

BobMartin

6 years ago

Peace and love from Canada, thanks for sharing, and helping educate me.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Lots of respect to you too, stayingalivemoma . Thanks for the lovely energy your sending my way. I appreciate it.

Valerie Washington

6 years agofrom Tempe, Arizona

Rasta1...MUCH RESPECT!! What a great hub and I have learned so much in 10 minutes about Rasta's. Voted up and all across! Also will be tweeting and pinning to Pinterest! You did a great job of bringing your culture to us, thank you.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect DeborahNeyens. I am quite elated that you have read my hub. I really appreciate it.

Respect Butterfly. I am working on it as we speak. Please email me and motivate me to build a forum. I would like to know what you would like to see in a forum.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Garethmoore, thanks for the positive energy.

BUTTERFLY

6 years ago

Blessings, I am so glad I found this site! I have live this way for some time now. As a youth I found myself around a whole lot of Rastas and over the years their way of living just rubbed off on me. :-) My question is now that I am no longer living in that are I have found it hard to connect or find the rastas in my are no matter what I do. So my question is where do I reconnect with rastas I haven't found a really good online forum to join or meet up? Thanks for all you do!!!! BLESS

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Hi Leekley. Thank you very much for the support given. It is greatly appreciated.

Brian Leekley

6 years agofrom Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA

Up, Useful, Interesting, and shared with followers and on social networking sites. Thanks for this description of the Rastafarian lifestyle. Much of it coincides with my ideals.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Diana. Do not worry about the prosecutors. Lead your critics by positive movements. Do nice things for them occasionally.

Diana Egelser

6 years ago

I come from a very dysfunctional household with a lot of pain, hurt and anger. I have great respect for this culture and I wish I could convert into being who I felt I was meant to be. My late mother used to say : Respect and discipline goes a long way", which is exactly what Rasta Culture present for me. I am finding it hard to live out my believes, as people are so uneducated about JAH culture and what it stands for. They thinks its merely a matter of smoking a blunt and later abusing other drugs. But I have faith and I need to change.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Sure, I could put you unto some Rasta's that do social work. Respect Karin.

Karin

6 years ago

What an interesting site! I´m a swedish student coming to Jamaica in November 2012 to do a research about how the Rastafarianism affect the social work. I´ll stay until the beginning of January 2013 and need a lot of information about the Rastafarianism and social work in Jamaica. I need some rastafarian social workers to interview. Therefore, I´m very thankful for all help I can get! My email adress is karin.tutturen-nilsson.248@student.lu.se. All the best, Karin :)

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Sista Love. You have in turn strengthened me. Your energy is greatly appreciated. When in a hostile environment, it is a great opportunity to lead by example. Nuff respect Love.

sister love

6 years ago

bblessings to all my brothers and sisters in the faith i have known rastafari for the past year and a half and i mist say it is the most beautiful thing i have encountered in this world. i myself was once captured in Babylon but immediately after getting the calling from His imperial majesty haile selassie i changed. i am enjoying my life it is most peaceful and knowing jah is the greatest blessing anyone could have. i love jah i love ratafari and i will continue in his part as long as i am able. the only hard part is i work in a bank oh am from trinidad and it is hard to be comfortable with your belief in an environment that has a lot of discrimination on rastas but i will fight Babylon as long as am able cause rastafari is love and i love rastafari. great post rasta1 you have given me encouragement so blessings to all nuff respect.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect James. Babylon is a pervasive force and can cause doubt. The all seeing will always watch. The only option is to do good.

James

6 years ago

For at least a year I feel in my heart that Haile Sellassie I is calling upon I, and I love it. But my mind is still in chains. I feel I can not do it alone. Im only 18 you see, I do not know what to do with my life. For 18 years I have been been in the heart of Babylon. It has a dark hand around my throat. The toxic foods and drinks are addictive. I feel Babylon has the best me.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Regina. Thanks for the love.

Regina

6 years ago

i love the rasta culter

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Nuff Respect lrc7815. I am very happy to have enlightened you on our culture.

Linda Crist

6 years agofrom Central Virginia

This may be one of my very favorite hubs. It is beautiful and so informative. Good work. I'm a fan. Voted up and awesome.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Hlengy. Just treat other people with respect to become a Rasta. Do not worry about the cultural practices.

HLENGY

6 years ago

Hai man thanks for the info you have provided to me. my boyfreind is a rasta but i'm not and we have a son together. now i don't know if i should also become a rasta. please advice.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

I hope so, all singers go to heaven

onelove

6 years ago

i know bob marley is in heaven smoking a nice fat blunt with tupac

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Yes, respect my lord Yeezzy. Thanks for the energy.

Yeezzy

6 years ago

My man this hub has been very educative...ah mi seh nuff respect fi di Most High!

Yeezzy

6 years ago

My man this hub has been very educative...ah mi seh nuff respect fi di Most High!

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Sister Kamogelo. I am humbled by your positive comment. Give a thanks for the energy.

Respect Marie, I'll check out that piece. Thank you for the energy. The Rasta movement can only gather more momentum.

ThussaysNanaMarie

6 years agofrom In my oyster

Ahhh Rasta1 This is without a doubt a highly informative hub and I am so proud of the way you have done justice to it.

'Rastafarians believe that television is a main method of spreading propaganda. It is also used to commercialize and deceive the populace.' This is so true. I also wrote about the effects of the media on me. Check it out even if to humour yourself.

Very well done! You have moved rastas up a notch and have proven to be a good ambassador. I am voting up. Bless

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

6 years agofrom Jamaica

Yes Shadrack, it is the only the way to escape Babylon. Hail the I.

shadrack rabaloi

6 years ago

Rastafariana culture is good especially in this modern days.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

@ Reezy, The letter I represents you and me, because we are all the same energy. Therefore I, is used instead of "you".

@ Mandy, Rastafarian's having more than one wife is a personally choice. If the man wishes to do so, the women must consent and has the option to not engage in a relationship that is not comfortable to her. The man must be wealthy enough to support a large family also. There should be no secrets or deceptions.

Mandy

7 years ago

I am dating a Rastafarian man and I'm white from England and he Jamaican living in London. He is a fair and wonderful man and I'm looking to learn about their views on women as I'm told more than one woman is allowed

Reezy

7 years ago

This hub is amazing.. I have just started reading about the Rastafarian Culture this wk and noticed that I too have been sorta living this lifestyle unitentionally. I want to learn more this culture.

I read that Rastafarians do not use the word "You" so how would they replace "You" when talking to someone?

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Mixed, it is the same thing with UWI Mona. A lot of Jamaican students are exposed to Rasta at the University level. The stigma will eventually go away as more people realize the objectives of unity and peace. Link up on facebook.

mixed is better

7 years ago

My name is Matthew, im 21 and live in Trinidad. Growing up as a child i was taught that Rastas were rebellious, involved in drugs and bad company in general. I've always liked the dreadlock hair style and started growing a dread at my 1st year in university(UWI). At uwi i was fortunate to meet with real Rastafarians who educated me about their way of life, it was really inspirational a eye opening. I've learned that rastas are peaceful people that promote love,humility, reasoning and progression. the stigma placed upon rastas is not by their fault but the people that sport the dreadlocks but are not followers of the faith, they are the ones who commit the crimes. i've noticed that Rastafarian culture is a growing inspiration among students on campus and several lectures and gatherings are held in spreading the message.. its really phenomenal!! the negative image of rastas is quickly withering away in society as a growing number of Rastafarians are graduating from universities and attaining affluent positions such as doctors and professors. Im studying International relations at school and i determind that in future i can spread the ideologies of rastafari in global politics so that I and I can be free from the bondage of babylon status quo. Thanks for spreading your wisdom rasta1, im still learning and your rasoning was very helpful in my journey. JAH BLESSINGS

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Nuff Respect Prince, The Conquering Lion of Judah shall open the seals.

Prince Sejahk Selassie I

7 years ago

Yes bredren to speak truth is reality and is to make peace.Jah SelassieI I love Jah I love Rasta & I give thanks for thy blessed come for InI Jah RastafarI,The Conquering Lion of Judah Selah.

I have recently experienced a spiritual connection with a rasta and came on here to gain more understanding of his culture, I feel that this is where I should be spiritually after being lost in the system for so long, thank you for the information I intend to study this further and gain as much as I can from this.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect LGrey, I am glad to hear that you are trying to live a similar lifestyle which is peaceful and humble.

LGrey

7 years agofrom Alabama

Wow, I am glad I read this. Thank you for explaining about Rastafarian culture. I have to admit I knew next to nothing about it. It sounds beautiful. Like the commenter earlier the life I am trying to live is very Rastafarian and I didn't know it!

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Nuff Respect Allano, You sound like a Rasta from Icient of days.

ALLANO

7 years ago

RASTAFARI IS THE KINGS OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORD I AM 15 NOT BORN AS RASTA BUT I AM IS A RASTAFAREAN

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Thanks for the energy Louromano. Nuff Respect

louromano

7 years ago

Fantastic hub. Excellent info.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Respect Frannie Dee, I am glad we share similar ideologies. Thanks for the energy.

Frannie Dee

7 years agofrom Chicago Northwest Suburb

Thank you for sharing this information about the Rastafari Culture. I am deeply moved by the inner beauty of these people and aspire to many of their goals as well. Thanks again for sharing.

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Rastafarian Life is more about common sense. It is always better to make a friend than an enemy.

WD Curry 111

7 years agofrom Space Coast

One thing I have learned about Rastafarians. They don't pick bones about theological understanding or controversy. When it is time to jam . . . we can all jam in the name of the Lord.

When's dinner?

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Yes JAH love Rastafari, Respect blake4d. will keep on hubbing.

blake4d

7 years ago

Jah love Rastafari. Keep on Hubbing. Blake4d

AUTHOR

Marvin Parke

7 years agofrom Jamaica

Let go the ego

No violence

Help out strangers (It may be JAH in disguise)

Forgive and Forget

Be Polite Even people are rude

Common sense (Stay away from aggressive people)

Money is the rat race

Do some volunteer work or gardening

Listen to the wisdom of children

The list is too long. Rasta work is never finish because it is an Eternal job.

Fire Purges evil. Everyone has to face the fire. When there is no evil in you, The Fire cannot burn you. The wicked have no hope.

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